GE RAK148P1 Original instructions

Thermostats
Digital Programmable
ge.com
Configuration Mode . . . . . . . . . . . .8–9
Important Safety Information . . . .2
Installation Instructions . . . . . . . . 4–7
Introduction Overview . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Low Battery/Combination
Failure Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . .18–19
Operating Functions . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15–17
Setting the Time
and Day of the Week . . . . . . . . . . .14
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Starting the Thermostat . . . . . . . . .11
Testing the Thermostat . . . . . .11–12
Troubleshooting Tips . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
RAK148P1
RAK164P1
Owner’s Manual &
Installation Instructions
LIA219-1 49-7544-1 11-08 JR
As an ENERGY STAR®partner,
GE has determined that this
product meets the ENERGY STAR®
guidelines for energy efficiency.

2
Important safety information.
Specifications.
WARNING! Always turn off power at the
main power supply before installing, cleaning or removing
the thermostat.
• This thermostat is for 24 VAC applications only. Do not use
on voltages over 30 VAC.
• All wiring must conform to local and national electrical and
building codes.
• Do not use air conditioning when the outdoor temperature
is below 50 degrees; this can damage your A/C system and
cause personal injuries.
• Use this thermostat only as described in this manual.
Electrical rating: • 24 VAC (18–30 VAC)
• 1 amp maximum per terminal
• DC Power: 3.0 VDC (2 “AA” batteries included)
• 4 amp maximum total load
Operating temperature range: 40°F–99°F (4°C–37°C)
Temperature set range: 60°F–85°F (15°C–29°C)
Accuracy: ± 1°F (± 0.5°C)
System configurations: 2-stage heat (RAK148P1 heat
pump/resistance heat); 1-stage heat (RAK164P1 resistance heat);
1-stage cool
Timing: Anti-short cycle: 3 minutes (minimum compressor
run time/off time). Note: There may be a 3 minute minimum
fan run time/off time on some models.
Terminations: R, C, W, Y, G, B (RAK148P1);
R, C, W, Y, G (RAK164P1)

INTRODUCTION OVERVIEW
3
PARTS DIAGRAM
Reset
Switch
Mode
Switch
Hold
Switch
Display
Function
Switch
Fan Auto/On
Switch
Toggle Up/Down
Switches
THERMOSTAT CONTROL
Display Toggle Up/Down Buttons
Function SwitchMode/Hold Buttons Fan Auto/On Switch
Two “AA”
Batteries

4
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
TO INSTALL THERMOSTAT
IMPORTANT: Thermostat installation must conform to
local and national building and electrical codes and ordinances.
Note: Mount the thermostat about five feet above the floor.
Do not mount the thermostat on an outside wall, in direct
sunlight, behind a door or in an area affected by a vent or duct.
ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD—Turn off power at
the main service panel by removing the fuse or
switching the appropriate circuit breaker to the OFF
position before removing the existing thermostat.
TO REMOVE EXISTING THERMOSTAT
1. Turn off power to heating and cooling system by removing
the fuse or switching off the appropriate circuit breaker.
2. Remove cover of old thermostat. This should expose the wires.
3. Label the existing wires with the enclosed wire labels
before removing wires.
4. After labeling wires, remove wires from wire terminals.
5. Remove existing thermostat base from wall.
6. Refer to the following section for instructions on how
to install this thermostat.
PACKAGE CONTENTS/TOOLS REQUIRED
Package includes: Thermostat on base, thermostat cover,
2 “AA” batteries, wiring labels, screws and wall anchors.
Tools needed: Drill with 3/16″bit, hammer, screwdriver.

5
TO INSTALL THERMOSTAT (cont.)
1. Turn off power to the heating and cooling system
by removing the fuse or switching off the appropriate
circuit breaker. Move the Function switch to Off.
2. To remove cover, insert and twist a coin or screwdriver
in the slots on the sides of the thermostat.
3. Put thermostat base against the wall where you plan
to mount it. Make sure wires will feed through the wire
opening in the base of the thermostat.
4. Mark the placement of the mounting holes.
5. Set thermostat base and cover away from working area.
6. Using a 3/16″drill bit, drill holes in the locations you
have marked for mounting.
7. Use a hammer to tap supplied anchors in mounting holes.
8. Align thermostat base with mounting holes and feed
the control wires through the wire opening.
9. Use supplied screws to mount thermostat base to wall.
10. Insert stripped, labeled wires in matching wire terminals.
See “Wiring Diagrams” section of this manual.
CAUTION! Make sure exposed portion
of wires does not touch other wires.
11. Tighten screws on terminal block. Gently tug wire to
be sure of proper connection. Double check that each
wire is connected to the proper terminal.
12. Insert two “AA” batteries into battery holder. Verify that
they are oriented as shown on battery holder.
13. Seal hole for wires behind thermostat with non-flammable
insulation or putty, or use a wall plate obtainable from
a local hardware or home building store.

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TO INSTALL THERMOSTAT (cont.)
14. Replace cover on thermostat by snapping it in place.
15. Turn on power to the system at the main service panel.
16. Test thermostat operation as described in Testing the
Thermostat.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Wiring diagrams.
Table 1: Terminals for five wires heat/cool system
(RAK164P1 only)
Note: Connect G terminal of thermostat to Zoneline Gl
terminal for low fan speed or terminal Gh for high fan speed.
Only one can be selected.

7
Table 2: Terminals for six wires 2 heat/1 cool system
(RAK148P1 only)
Note: Connect G terminal of thermostat to Zoneline Gl
terminal for low fan speed or terminal Gh for high fan speed.
Only one can be selected.

Configuration mode.
The configuration mode is used to set the RAK148P1 and RAK164P1
to match your heating/cooling system. These thermostats function
with up to 2-stage heat pump systems (RAK148P1 only).
To configure the RAK148P1 and RAK164P1, perform the
following steps:
Note: Operation being set will blink in the display.
1. Slide the Function switch to the OFF position.
2. Simultaneously hold the and buttons in
for 6 seconds while the thermostat is in OFF mode.
3. Press the or button to change settings within
each screen.
4. Press the Hold button to advance to the next screen.
Note: The Mode button will return you to the previous screen.
5. To exit configuration mode, slide the Function switch to Heat
or Cool.
Configuration Mode Settings
The setup screens for Configuration Mode are as follows:
1. Temperature Scale (F or C)—
Choose Fahrenheit or Celsius.
Press the or button
to select.
Press the Hold button to advance to the next screen.
2. Temperature Differential—
Stage 1—(1–9°F) (1–5°C)—
(Factory Setting is 2°F/1°C for
Each Stage)—Set the number of
degrees between your “setpoint” temperature and your
“turn on” temperature for first stage.
Press the or button to set differential value.
Press the Hold button to advance to the next screen.
> <
> <
> <
> <
8

3. Temperature Differential—Stage
2—(RAK148P1 only) (1–9°F)
(1–5°C)—Set the number of
degrees between when stage 1
turns on and stage 2 turns on.
Press the or button to set differential value.
Press the Hold button to advance to the next screen.
4. Minimum Cool Setpoint (60, 64,
66, 68, 70, 72, 74, 76°F) (15, 17, 19,
20, 21, 22, 23, 24°C)
Adjust to control the minimum Cool set temperature allowed.
Press the or button to select.
Press the Hold button to advance to the next screen.
5. Maximum Heat Setpoint (65, 70,
72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 85°F) (18, 21, 22,
23, 24, 26, 27, 29°C)
Adjust to control the maximum Heat set temperature allowed.
Press the or button to select.
Press the Hold button to advance to the next screen.
6. Room temperature offset (+9°F
to –9°F) (+5°C to –5°C)
Adjust to calibrate displayed room
temperature to match actual room temperature.
Press the or button to select.
Press the Hold button to advance to the next screen.
Move the Function switch to Heat or Cool position to lock
the settings into memory.
> <
>
<
>
<
>
<
9

Operation.
The RAK148P1 and RAK164P1 thermostats have buttons that
are used to:
• Adjust the setpoints of the thermostat
• Set the modes
• Program the schedule
Setting the Room Temperature (Setpoint Temperature)
1. With the Function switch at Cool or Heat, the current
temperature setpoint displays.
2. Press the or button until the desired temperature
setpoint displays.
3. The new temperature setpoint is automatically saved
in memory.
> <
10

Starting the thermostat.
CAUTION! Do not use air conditioning when
the outdoor temperature is below 50 degrees. This can damage
your air conditioning system and cause personal injuries.
1. Move the Fan Auto/On
switch to the Auto position.
On position runs indoor
fan continuously.
2. Move the Function switch
to Cool or Heat, depending
on the season.
AM
OFF
Room Temperature
Time
OFF Indicator
Testing the thermostat.
Once the thermostat is installed, it should be thoroughly tested.
CAUTION! Do not use air conditioning when
the outdoor temperature is below 50 degrees. This can damage
your air conditioning system and cause personal injuries.
Note: Before testing the thermostat, move the Fan Auto/On switch
to the Auto position.
Cool Test
1. Slide Function switch to Cool
position. Cool mode screen is
displayed.
2. Adjust set temperature so it is 5
degrees below room temperature.
3. Air conditioning should come on within a few seconds.
4. Adjust the set temperature so it is 2 degrees above the room
temperature and the A/C should turn off. Note: There is a 3
minute time delay and a 3 minute minimum run time for the
compressor when it turns on/off. (On some models, the fan
may also have a 3 minute minimum run time/off time delay.)
11
AM
COOL

Testing the thermostat.
Heat Test
1. Slide Function switch to Heat
position. Heat mode screen is
displayed.
2. Adjust set temperature so it is
5 degrees above room temperature.
3. Heat should come on within a few seconds.
4. Adjust the set temperature so it is 2 degrees below the room
temperature and the heat should turn off. Note: There is a 3
minute time delay and a 3 minute minimum run time for the
compressor when it turns on/off. (On some models, the fan
may also have a 3 minute minimum run time/off time delay).
Note: “Quick Heat Recovery” is activated each time the thermostat
is switched from Off or Cool modes to Heat mode. Electric heaters
are energized until the thermostat set point is reached. Heat pump
operation will resume at next call for heat (heat pump only).
Fan Test
1. Slide Fan Auto/On switch to On position.
2. Indoor fan turns on.
3. Slide Fan Auto/On switch to Auto position.
4. Indoor fan turns off.
AM HEAT
12

Operating functions.
Off
• In this mode, the thermostat will
not turn on the heating or cooling
devices (manual fan can operate).
• Off is also used to access Setup
and Program modes.
Cool
• In this mode, the thermostat controls the cooling system.
• Press the Mode button to enter and exit the Program Cool
mode.
• In Program Cool mode (PROG displays), the thermostat will
follow the program schedule that is stored in memory.
Heat
• In this mode, the thermostat controls the heating system.
• Press the Mode button to enter/exit the Program Heat mode.
• In Program Heat mode (PROG displays), the thermostat will
follow the program schedule that is stored in memory.
Hold
• When in Programmable Cool or Programmable Heat, you
can lock in the present settings indefinitely by pressing the
Hold button once (PROG flashes). Press Hold button again to
leave Hold mode (PROG solid). For a temporary Hold period,
raise or lower set temperature to desired set temperature.
The thermostat will automatically return to programmed
set temperature after 2 hours.
13
AM

Setting the time and day of the week.
The time and day of the week must be set for your program
schedule to operate correctly.
1. Slide the Function switch to the
Off position.
2. Press the Hold button
in for 6 seconds.
3. Press the or button to
adjust the time in hours. Press
the Hold button once. Now press
the or button to adjust
the time in minutes.
4. Press the Hold button while
the time is displayed. The display
shows the day currently set on
the thermostat (01 = Monday,
02 = Tuesday, etc.).
5. Press the or button to set the current day of the
week. Note: Sliding the Function switch to Cool or Heat
positions will lock the values into memory. You may also
press the Hold button to enter your programming schedule.
>
<
> <
> <
PM
OFF
PM
TODAY
14

Programming.
Program Overview
The programmable thermostat has four periods (MORN, DAY,
EVE, NITE) that are customizable for each day of the week.
Each period will have a set time, heat temperature and cool
temperature. The thermostat monitors the day and time, while
maintaining the specific conditions that you have chosen for
each period in your program.
Note: Operation being set will blink in the display.
1. Place the Function switch in the
Off position.
2. Press the Hold button in
for 6 seconds.
3. Press the Hold button 3 times.
DAY (01–07) and PROG is displayed.
4. Press the or button to change the day you want
to program (01 = Monday, 02 = Tuesday, etc.).
5. Press the Hold button to advance to the next parameter.
Note: You can always press the Mode button to return to the
previous parameter.
• Period is displayed (MORN, DAY,
EVE, NITE).
6. Press the or button to
change period of day. The display
should blink the period of the day.
7. Press the Hold button to advance to the next parameter.
• Set time is displayed.
8. Press the or button to
adjust hours. Press the Hold
button once, and then press the
or buttons to adjust minutes.
9. Press the Hold button to advance to the next screen
parameter. Note: Transitions required after 11:59 PM must
be programmed in the next day’s MORN period.
>
<
>
<
>
<
> <
DAY
PROG
DAY
MORN
PROG
DAY
AM
PROG
MORN
15

Programming.
• Heat temperature is displayed
(60°F to 85°F)
10.Press the or button to
adjust heat set temperature.
11.Press the Hold button to advance to the next screen.
• Cool temperature is displayed
(60°F to 85°F)
12.Press the or button to
adjust cool set temperature.
13.Press the Hold button to advance to the next screen.
Repeat steps 1–13 to program each day of the week individually
or follow the instructions below to program every day the same
as Monday. When programming is complete, slide the Function
switch to Heat or Cool to exit Programming Mode.
Repeat Programming
Once the entire Monday (Day 01) schedule is set, the following
procedure can be used to copy the Monday schedule for every
day of the week.
After the complete Monday schedule is set (see Programming,
above), you will be at the “Day” screen:
1. Press the button once. Day
01 screen displays.
2. Press the button and hold for
2 seconds. The days of the week
stop flashing, locking the settings into memory. Once the
schedule is locked in, you can go through each day and
make any required changes. This feature speeds up the
programming of the standard weekday/weekend schedule.
3. Slide the Function switch to Heat or Cool to exit
Programming Mode.
< <
> <
> <
AM
DAY
PROG
MORN
HEAT
AM
DAY
PROG
MORN
COOL
DAY
PROG
16

Factory preprogramming.
The programmable thermostat comes preprogrammed with the
following schedule:
MONDAY MORN 6:00 AM DAY 8:00 AM EVE 6:00 PM NITE 10:00 PM
thru HEAT 70°F HEAT 62°F HEAT 70°F HEAT 62°F
SUNDAY COOL 78°F COOL 85°F COOL 78°F COOL 82°F
Use the following personal program schedule to record
your settings:
MONDAY MORN DAY EVE NITE
01 HEAT HEAT HEAT HEAT
COOL COOL COOL COOL
TUESDAY MORN DAY EVE NITE
02 HEAT HEAT HEAT HEAT
COOL COOL COOL COOL
WEDNESDAY MORN DAY EVE NITE
03 HEAT HEAT HEAT HEAT
COOL COOL COOL COOL
THURSDAY MORN DAY EVE NITE
04 HEAT HEAT HEAT HEAT
COOL COOL COOL COOL
FRIDAY MORN DAY EVE NITE
05 HEAT HEAT HEAT HEAT
COOL COOL COOL COOL
SATURDAY MORN DAY EVE NITE
06 HEAT HEAT HEAT HEAT
COOL COOL COOL COOL
SUNDAY MORN DAY EVE NITE
07 HEAT HEAT HEAT HEAT
COOL COOL COOL COOL
17

Low battery indicator.
The programmable thermostats with battery backup have
a low battery warning screen. Please note that the low battery
warning will not display while in a programming mode or
settings menu. The following are the only locations where
the low battery warning may occur.
Low battery warning, Off mode
The thermostat will display a low
battery indication. The display will
toggle between the normal display
and the low battery indication.
Low battery warning, Cool mode
The thermostat will display a low
battery indication. The display will
toggle between the normal Cool
mode display or program Cool mode
display and the low battery indication.
Low battery warning, Heat mode
The thermostat will display a low
battery indication. The display will
toggle between the normal Heat
mode display or program Heat mode
display and the low battery indication.
18
OFF
PROG
COOL
HEAT
PROG
(Program Cool Mode Low
Battery Indication Shown)
(Program Heat Mode Low
Battery Indication Shown)

Combination failure (power failure & low battery).
The programmable thermostats with battery backup also
will indicate a combination failure; that is, both a low battery
condition as well as a power failure condition. After the power
is restored, the following may be indicated:
Combination failure, Off mode
The thermostat will display a low
battery indication, as well as a power
failure indication (“12:00”). The display
will toggle between the low battery
screen and the “12:00” screen.
Combination failure, Cool mode
The thermostat will display a low
battery indication, as well as a power
failure indication (“12:00”). The display
will toggle between the low battery
screen and the “12:00” screen
(Non-Program Cool Mode Shown).
Combination failure, Heat mode
The thermostat will display a low
battery indication, as well as a power
failure indication (“12:00”). The display
will toggle between the low battery
screen and the “12:00” screen
(Non-Program Heat Mode Shown).
OFF
OFF
PM
COOL
COOL
PM
HEAT
HEAT
PM
19

Troubleshooting tips.
No display Check for 24 VAC at thermostat; display
is blank when 24 VAC is not present.
System fan does not Verify that wiring is correct.
come on properly
All thermostat buttons Verify that 24 VAC is present; unit
are inoperative locks out when 24 VAC is not present.
Thermostat turns on and Adjust temperature differential (see
off too frequently Setting a New Temperature Differential).
Program schedule activates Check time (AM/PM) set on
at the wrong time thermostat (see Programming).
Thermostat does not Verify that it is in Program mode; PROG
follow program displays solid; check time (AM/PM);
check if in Hold mode (PROG flashing).
“PROG” flashes Press Hold button to remove from
(in Hold mode) Hold mode.
Fan runs continuously Check Fan Auto/On switch. If set to
ON position, fan will run continuously.
Room temperature is Verify that wall hole is plugged
not correct with putty or insulation.
Compressor doesn’t run There is a 3 minute time delay and a
or turn off immediately 3 minute minimum run time for the
when changing function compressor when it turns on/off.
or setting
Fan doesn’t run or turn off This is normal. On some models, the
immediately when changing fan may have a 3 minute minimum
function or setting run time/off time delay.
“LO bat” displays on screen Replace batteries with 2 fresh “AA”
alkaline batteries.
Display reads “12:00 PM” Set clock/time.
Problem not listed above Press the Reset button once. Reset
button function: time, day and mode
changed to last saved settings (saved
after power loss or when exiting
program setup; configuration and
program settings are unchanged).
Problem Solution
20